Leeds United's Head of Recruitment, Martyn Glover has joined Sunderland.

Glover leaves Leeds after just seven months at the club to reunite with Sam Allardyce, whom he worked with for a number of years at West Ham United.

It was speculated that the boss was keen on bringing the former Blackburn Rovers man to Wearside upon his own arrival, but little has been reported since those initial rumours.

Now though, following the departure of Sporting Director Lee Congerton, the opportunity to return to the Premier League has enticed the 60-year-old to the Stadium of Light, and he brings a wealth of experience with him after four years at Upton Park and 13 at Ewood Park.

Glover to aid defensive search

Glover arrives during a busy period, with Allardyce keen on bringing in defensive recruits and the January transfer window having just opened a few days ago. 

With Younes Kaboul out for another six weeks, and both John O’Shea and Sebastian Coates having suffered knocks recently, the manager has found his options wearing thin as Sunderland’s situation becomes more and more desperate.

Having to call upon 36-year-old Wes Brown has been far from ideal for Allardyce, even if the former Manchester United man hasn’t done much wrong in his last two games, and so he is looking to add strength and depth at the back.

Allardyce knows Glover from his days with West Ham. (Express)
Allardyce knows Glover from his days with West Ham. (Express)

Jan Kirchhoff is believed to be close to completing his move to Wearside from Bayern Munich, whilst a fee has also been agreed with Lorient for Lamine Kone, but the North-East outfit are understood to be wanting a third defender - and quickly.

With the manager stating that he does not think England has the solution he is looking for, he is going to need all the help he can get in searching abroad, and Glover will hope to aid him as best he can as they link up once again at the Stadium of Light.

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About the author
Ameé Ruszkai
Head of the Sunderland, Swansea City and women football sections at VAVEL UK. Email: [email protected]